The Land Of Frozen Fire

Discover the power of Madame Pele through recent history on this tour highlighting the stark beauty of Hawaii Island. See how volcanoes like Kilauea create both destruction and renewal, which is spectacularly on display in the lower east rift zone that experienced the 2014 and 2018 eruptions firsthand. First stop is Kalapana, an ancient Hawaiian fishing village which today has been completely reshaped by lava. Stop at one of Kalapana's most iconic landmarks, the Star of the Sea Painted Church, and hear about the heroic efforts to pick up and move this beloved decommissioned church out of the line of the lava flows not once, but twice! Next stop is another historic location, Kapoho town. First destroyed by lava in 1960 and slowly rebuilt over the decades only to be destroyed again in 2018. More than 700 homes were destroyed, Green Lake was completely filled in with molten rock, and the coastline was moved more than a mile further obliterating the famed Kapoho Tide Pools and Champagne Pond. Drive up to Lava Tree State Monument where your guide will explain the iconic trees on display here in their natural forest. Finally make a quick stop on the way back to the port to shop for Hawaiian macadamia nuts, Kona coffee, local crafts and more.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold the devastation of past volcanic eruptions and the natural beauty left in their wakes.
• See the Painted Church that congregants moved to save it from a nearby lava flow.
• Walk on a gorgeous black-sand beach that a volcanic eruption created.
• Shop for locally made merchandise in and around Hilo.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.